Story perspectives

German Teacher Earns £48,000 on 16-Year Sick Leave

9/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A German teacher received a full salary of £48,000 while on 16 years of sick leave, starting in August 2009 due to chronic illness and psychological issues.
The school did not assess her after three months, resulting in automatic sick leave renewals.
An internal audit in 2024 uncovered this oversight following a management change.
The teacher owns two apartments in Duisburg and has declined a state-ordered medical examination.
Education Minister Dorothee Feller expressed confusion, with suspicions she may have worked as a naturopath during her leave.

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Story summary

A German teacher received a full salary of £48,000 while on 16 years of sick leave, starting in August 2009 due to chronic illness and psychological issues.
The school did not assess her after three months, resulting in automatic sick leave renewals.
An internal audit in 2024 uncovered this oversight following a management change.
The teacher owns two apartments in Duisburg and has declined a state-ordered medical examination.
Education Minister Dorothee Feller expressed confusion, with suspicions she may have worked as a naturopath during her leave.